Bristol Down Syndrome Trust
We’re a Bristol charity providing speech and language therapy to children with Down Syndrome, building a supportive community of families, and helping our children to achieve their full potential.

About us

Bristol Down Syndrome Trust.
A charity registered in England and Wales.
Registered Charity No. 1117685

Registered Office:
53 Eastfield Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, BS9 4AE
Contact us

Group information

Held at:
Community Church , Henleaze Hall
2 Albert Pl
Bristol
BS9 4AF

Groups run weekly each term. Contact us by email to sign up and find out timings.


About us

What we do

The Bristol Down Syndrome Trust provides Speech and Language Therapy for children from the age of 18 months who have Down Syndrome. The therapy is provided in small groups of up to six children. Groups run every other week in school term time.

Makaton Signs are used extensively, as they are an invaluable aid to language development for the children.

School age children often attend with one of their parents and a Learning Support Assistant. This enables parents and/or LSA’s to see what has been practiced so that they can continue with similar activities at home and at school.

History​

The group was started by two families in September 2002; Jonathan and Marie-Louise Cook and Ian and Annabel Dixey, both of whom have children with Down Syndrome and were inspired by the work of Professor Sue Buckley and her team in Portsmouth.

Marie-Louise Cook and Annabel Dixey


Group Information

Courses are taught by Claire Cole and the excellent team at Talk Speech Therapy.


Claire is a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist with over 10 years experience in both NHS and private practise and is one of the Directors of Talk Speech and Language Therapy Ltd. Her background is in preschool complex needs, early years and mainstream and special schools. She is also a regional Makaton tutor and licensed Elklan tutor with experience in presenting a wide range of training packages.


She loves all aspects of speech and language therapy but has a particular passion for working with children with complex communication needs. She loves working directly with children and their families in order to support each child to reach their full potential through fun and engaging therapy.

The days are hosted by Marie-Louise Cook, Annabel Dixey, and parent volunteers with refreshments and time to chat and play.

The cost is £10 per session, payable termly in advance. There are typically 6 sessions in a term so the cost is £60/term.

A limited number of bursaries are available.

Claire Cole, Speech and Language Therapist


Fundraising

Pay course fees


The cost is £10/session. There are typically 6 sessions in a term, so fees are £60/term, and payment should be made each term, in advance.



Please make payments by bank transfer or cheque at present. Email for our bank details. Thank you.

Make a donation


Thank you for considering a gift to our charity. Donations can be made using CAF Donate.




Contact

Please email enquiries@bristoldownsyndrometrust.org.uk